In recent years, keeping exotic species as pets has become popular. Many people keep reptiles at home. Turtles are in high demand because they are easy to care for and safe. One such example is the red-eared slider, which is not only a rare animal but also a devoted pet. How do you care for one at home, and how long can it live with proper care?
What is a red-eared slider?
This is an animal belongs to freshwater reptilesIt owes its name to the elongated orange-red spots located behind its eyes. This species of turtle has no ears, yet it has excellent hearing. It is also called the yellow-bellied turtle due to its bright yellow ventral shield. It has excellent vision and sense of smell.
Females are larger than males. The average carapace size ranges from 18 to 30 cm. Young red-eared sliders have a rich green shell, but with age, it turns olive. It can also be brownish-yellow with yellow stripes.
The red-eared slider is considered a long-lived turtle. With proper care, it can live in a home environment. can live quite a long time - 30-40 yearsIts intelligence level is several times higher than that of many other reptile species. It perfectly perceives sounds at very low frequencies.
Choosing a terrarium for your reptile
If improperly cared for or exposed to poor conditions, red-eared sliders are doomed to die. This species of turtle is considered ideal for pets. They are very hardy and require careful attention to ensure their comfort:
- nutrition;
- microclimate;
- water.
It is best to keep such reptiles in a 150-liter aquarium, it should be spacious. The turtle doesn't spend all its time in the water and periodically surfaces to breathe air. The animal grows over time, and the water level in the tank should correspond to the size of its shell. The reptile should be able to move freely within the aquarium. It is believed that the more space and water in the tank, the better it will feel.
It is very important before placing a red-eared slider in an aquarium, plan the territory correctly It's easy to do now, as most pet stores sell aquariums ready for keeping reptiles. After purchasing one, you just need to add the required amount of water.
The optimal water temperature should be at 21-25OC. The land level in it should be 25%. The reptile needs freedom of movement so that it can easily turn over.
The tank requires settled water, or, better yet, filtered water. Water changes should be made once or twice a week. If this isn't possible, it's best to equip the tank with a special filter. In this case, water changes can be made once a month.
The reptile's resting area should be equipped with a basking lamp so the turtle can bask, just as it's accustomed to doing in its natural habitat. The island's temperature should be 10 degrees Celsius.OC should be higher than the temperature of the water in the container. One of the parts of the land must be flooded with waterThe reptile will be able to crawl out of the aquarium, and a safe island will serve as a wonderful place to warm up and rest. Its surface should be textured so the red-eared slider can easily move from water to land and back again without getting stuck.
Nutrition
Such an exotic animal requires the right nutrition. If all the necessary care is taken at home, the red-eared slider will thrive and enjoy a long life with the family.
These animals are carnivores when young, but later they prefer a plant-based diet. Young turtles require a lot of vitamins, such as calcium and amino acids, to ensure proper development. Adult turtles conserve their energy and store it.
Red-eared sliders have a very varied diet, but you need to consider the pet's age. Various foods are suitable:
plant foods (vegetables);- food for aquarium fish;
- artificial feed;
- fish;
- insects;
- aquarium plants;
- invertebrates.
plant foods (vegetables);Turtles have a good appetite and prone to overeatingReptile owners should provide their pets with a balanced diet rich in calcium. Pet stores sell special turtle foods. Experts recommend diversifying their pets' diet and feeding them food that's close to their natural habitat.
Sometimes turtles are given beef, poultry, and horse meat, preferably boiled. It's cut into small pieces. Fish is a favorite food for reptiles. It's usually given boiled or raw. Frozen fish is often used for this purpose, but it should be defrosted before feeding. Avoid feeding turtles fatty fish to avoid digestive upset.
Recommended for a reptile aquarium launch live small fish, these could be:
- guppies;
- crucian carp;
- swordtails;
- goldfish.
Snails and squid are a real treat for red-eared sliders. They also prefer daphnia and freshwater crustaceans. Insects are a good addition to their diet. These include crickets, grasshoppers, and other non-venomous insects. Many people wonder how much plant and other food they need.
Plant food should make up at least 60% of the turtle's diet. Adults readily feed on aquatic vegetation:
- hornwort;
- Ceratopteris;
- Lidwigia.
Reptiles also enjoy dandelion leaves, cabbage, lettuce, clover, and carrot and beet tops. They also eat houseplants such as hibiscus, aloe, basil, and hyacinth. Red-eared sliders can eat grains such as sprouted wheat, beans, and seeds.
Pet stores sell special food for red-eared sliders, so it's also important to buy it for your pet reptiles. It's important to follow the recommended dosage for such food and vitamin supplements.
Young turtles up to 2 years old should be fed twice a dayAdult turtles need to be fed every 2-3 days. Baby turtles should be fed in a special tray and provided with fresh, high-quality, warm food.
Features of care and maintenance
This turtle species is ideal for beginners. If properly cared for, they live a long lifespan, so this pet can be a family pet for many years. There are a few basic rules for proper care and maintenance at home.
You can't let the turtle out on the floorThere, she might find something to eat. There may be drafts on the floor, which can be very harmful to the reptile's health.
Meat is a heavy food for turtles, so you shouldn’t give it to them often.
When the animal becomes covered in fine algae, brushing it is not recommended. It can damage the shell and injure the reptile's skin.
If the aquarium is not equipped with an island and there is no land in it, the animal may die because it needs air.
Various vitamin supplements They should be included in the diet, but used sparingly. Otherwise, they will have a detrimental effect on the red-eared slider.
For a reptile to become a true family member and provide pleasant moments of companionship, it requires more than just food, care, and clean water in an aquarium. Only then will it grow into a true companion, and its lifespan always depends on the family it belongs to.
